U.S. patent application number 15/793589 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-26 for gps tracking insert for a pet collar or similar buckled device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Pinpoint Ideas, LLC. Invention is credited to Scott Allen Crutchfield, Joseph Anthony Czarnecky, Steven Andrew Rook, Gregory Parker Stair.
Application Number | 20180110205 15/793589 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61970901 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180110205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Czarnecky; Joseph Anthony ;
et al. |
April 26, 2018 |
GPS Tracking Insert for a Pet Collar or Similar Buckled Device
Abstract
A tracking insert adapted, in an exemplary embodiment, to be
inserted into and received by the collar connector of a
state-of-the-art pet collar, such that the tracking insert becomes
an extension of the pet collar is provided. The tracking insert
comprises a linear band housing a linear array of electronic
modules in electronic communication with one another. For instance,
the modules include, in an exemplary embodiment, a GPS radio
receiver, one or more modules adapted to communicate with a mobile
device by known protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile
communication protocols in a manner readily understood and
implementable by those skilled in the art, and other modules such
as a light, a camera and/or a communication module to allow the
owner to communicate with the pet.
Inventors: |
Czarnecky; Joseph Anthony;
(Okauchee, WI) ; Rook; Steven Andrew; (Cary,
IL) ; Crutchfield; Scott Allen; (Louisville, TN)
; Stair; Gregory Parker; (Knoxville, TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pinpoint Ideas, LLC |
Knoxville |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61970901 |
Appl. No.: |
15/793589 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62413348 |
Oct 26, 2016 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 11/008 20130101;
G01S 19/14 20130101; A01K 15/021 20130101; G01S 5/0027 20130101;
G01S 19/42 20130101; A01K 27/009 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 15/02 20060101
A01K015/02; A01K 27/00 20060101 A01K027/00; G01S 19/14 20060101
G01S019/14 |
Claims
1. A tracking insert for tracking the location of a selected item,
said tracking insert comprising a linear band defined by a
plurality of modules, said modules being in electrical
communication with one another, wherein at least one of said
modules is a power source and wherein said linear band further
includes a module for detecting the three-dimensional position of
the tracking insert; a connector for securing said tracking insert
to a selected object; reinforcing means for securing said plurality
of modules to each other in linear fashion; and a wear resistant
cover for said linear band.
2. The tracking insert of claim 1 wherein said selected object is a
pet collar having a collar connector, and further wherein said
connector for securing said tracking insert to a selected object is
adapted to be received by said connector of said pet collar.
3. The tracking insert of claim 2 wherein said pet collar has a
connector selected from a group consisting of a side release buckle
and a frame-and-prong buckle.
4. The tracking insert of claim 1 wherein said tracking insert
further includes electrical circuitry for charging said power
source, wherein said electrical circuitry is in electrical
communication with a charging port disposed on said tracking
insert.
5. The tracking insert of claim 1 wherein said power source is
defined by a removable battery.
6. The tracking insert of claim 5 wherein said removable battery is
a rechargeable battery.
7. The tracking insert of claim 1 wherein said selected object is a
pet collar and said means for securing said tracking device to said
tracking collar is a connector adapted to be releasably received by
a collar connector on said pet collar.
8. The tracking insert of claim 4 wherein said electrical circuitry
for charging said power source is in electrical communication with
electrical contacts carried by a portion of said collar connector
on said tracking insert.
9. The tracking insert of claim 1 wherein said connector for
securing said tracking device to said collar is defined by at least
a pair of clip members carried by said tracking insert and adapted
to secure said tracking insert to said pet collar.
10. The tracking insert of claim 1 wherein said plurality of
modules includes at least electronic circuitry selected from a
group consisting of a GPS receiver, a radio module for radio based
tracking devices, and a transceiver for communicating with a mobile
device.
11. The tracking insert of claim 10 wherein said transceiver for
communicating with a mobile device consists of a communication
protocol selected from a group consisting of a Wi-Fi radio,
Bluetooth radio, and a transceiver for a mobile cell phone
protocol.
12. A tracking insert for tracking the location of a selected item,
said tracking insert comprising a linear band defined by a
plurality of modules, said modules being in electrical
communication with one another, wherein at least one of said
modules is a rechargeable power source and wherein said linear band
further includes a module for detecting the three-dimensional
position of the tracking insert; electrical circuitry for charging
said rechargeable power source, wherein said electrical circuitry
is in electrical communication with a charging port disposed on
said tracking insert; a connector for securing said tracking insert
to a selected object; reinforcing means for securing said plurality
of modules to each other in linear fashion; and a wear resistant
cover for said linear band.
13. The tracking insert of claim 12 wherein said selected object is
a pet collar having a collar connector, and further wherein said
connector for securing said tracking insert to a selected object is
adapted to be received by said connector of said pet collar.
14. The tracking insert of claim 12 wherein said pet collar has a
connector selected from a group consisting of a side release buckle
and a frame-and-prong buckle.
15. The tracking insert of claim 12 wherein said selected object is
a pet collar and said means for securing said tracking device to
said tracking collar is a connector adapted to be releasably
received by a collar connector on said pet collar.
16. The tracking insert of claim 12 wherein said electrical
circuitry for charging said rechargeable power source is in
electrical communication with electrical contacts carried by a
portion of said collar connector on said tracking insert.
17. The tracking insert of claim 12 wherein said connector for
securing said tracking device to said collar is defined by at least
a pair of clip members carried by said tracking insert and adapted
to secure said tracking insert to said pet collar.
18. A tracking insert for tracking the location of a selected item,
said tracking insert comprising a linear band defined by a
plurality of modules, said modules being in electrical
communication with one another, wherein at least one of said
modules is a rechargeable power source and wherein said linear band
further includes a module for detecting the three-dimensional
position of the tracking insert; electrical circuitry for charging
said rechargeable power source, wherein said electrical circuitry
is in electrical communication with a charging port disposed on
said tracking insert; a connector for securing said tracking insert
to a pet collar, said pet collar having a connector selected from a
group consisting of a side release buckle and a frame-and-prong
buckle; reinforcing means for securing said plurality of modules to
each other in linear fashion; and a wear resistant cover for said
linear band.
19. The tracking insert of claim 18 wherein said electrical
circuitry for charging said rechargeable power source is in
electrical communication with electrical contacts carried by a
portion of said collar connector on said tracking insert.
20. The tracking insert of claim 18 wherein said connector for
securing said tracking device to said collar is defined by at least
a pair of clip members carried by said tracking insert and adapted
to secure said tracking insert to said pet collar.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Number 62/413,348, filed on Oct. 26, 2016, which
is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a GPS tracking insert. More
particularly, it relates to a GPS tracking insert having a
plurality of interconnected modules housing the power supply and
various electronic components and in which the tracking insert is
adapted to be received by a pet collar or similar buckled
device.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In the field of utilizing satellite technology and
triangulation to determine the location of an item, asset, animal,
person, or vehicle, commonly referred to as the Global Positioning
System, or "GPS", in the USA, it is well known to use GPS and/or
radio signal tracking, to determine the location of pets, in
general, and sport dogs, in particular. For instance, wearable GPS
tracking devices are utilized to track and monitor the location of
sport dogs in the field and are also used by athletes to monitor
and track pace, speed, and distance traveled while running,
swimming, biking, and trekking. It is also known in the art to
utilize GPS trackers to monitor the location of children,
especially special needs children.
[0005] What is missing from the art is a GPS tracking device
adapted to be received by various articles, including, without
limitation, a state-of-the-art animal collar.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A tracking insert adapted, in an exemplary embodiment, to be
inserted into and received by the connector of a state-of-the-art
pet collar, such that the tracking insert becomes an extension of
the pet collar is provided. It will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that there are a number of collar connectors for pet
collars, including, without limitation, connectors having a frame
and prong buckle with a cooperating perforated strap, side release
buckles, and the like. The tracking insert comprises a linear band
housing a linear array of electronic modules in electronic
communication with one another. For instance, the modules include,
in an exemplary embodiment, a GPS radio receiver, an accelerometer
for detecting activity, modules adapted to communicate with a
mobile device by known protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or
mobile communication protocols, including a SIM card module for
facilitating cellular communication, in a manner readily understood
and implementable by those skilled in the art. In applications in
which the tracking insert is used with a pet, such as a sport dog,
and in an exemplary embodiment, the modules can further include a
light, such as an LED light, a speaker and microphone combination,
preferably capable of full duplex communication, for allowing the
user to communicate with the pet. These various modules are in
electronic communication with one another via a plurality of
electrical leads. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the various
modules are secured to one another in a linear array by means of
reinforcing members such as support cables or a wire mesh in order
to provide for strength to hold the modules and their respective
electrical leads in place and assist in preventing tearing in the
event that an animal such as a dog pulls at the tracking insert, or
the tracking insert is snagged on an obstacle. Further, in order to
protect the linear array of modules and the electrical leads from
wear and, in an exemplary embodiment, to provide weather and
moisture resistance, an over-molding is provided. Over-molding
could be any number of rubber or polymeric materials. In an
exemplary embodiment, the tracking insert is covered in rubber to
make it water resistant and to resist abrasion from use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The above-mentioned features of the invention will become
more clearly understood from the following detailed description of
the invention read together with the drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tracking insert of the
present invention in which the protective covering has been
removed, exposing to view, the interconnected modules;
[0009] FIG. 2A is a further perspective view of the tracking insert
illustrated in FIG. 1 including the protective covering;
[0010] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a further exemplary
embodiment of the tracking insert of the present invention having
an alternate charging contact;
[0011] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a further exemplary
embodiment of the tracking insert of the present invention having
male and female portions of a side release buckle;
[0012] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a further exemplary
embodiment of the tracking insert of the present invention in which
the collar connector is defined by a buckle having a frame and
prong configuration;
[0013] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the of the tracking insert,
as illustrated in FIG. 3A, secured to a pet collar;
[0014] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a further exemplary
embodiment tracking insert adapted to be clipped to a
state-of-the-art pet collar; FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a
further exemplary embodiment tracking device illustrating a further
exemplary embodiment for securing the tracking device to a
state-of-the-art pet collar;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further exemplary
embodiment tracking device adapted to be secured to a modified pet
collar; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tracking insert, as
illustrated in FIG. 3B, secured to a pet collar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a tracking insert 10 adapted to be
received by a state of the art pet collar 15. Tracking insert 10
comprises a linear band housing a linear array of electronic
modules in electronic communication with one another as will be
described in greater detail below. Tracking insert 10, in an
exemplary embodiment could use a GPS radio receiver for receiving
tracking signals from various GPS transmitters, such as satellites
or cell tower transmitters. In this regard, as used herein, "GPS"
refers broadly to any satellite based positioning system used for
transmitting information that is received by a user's receiver to
calculate the user's three-dimensional position and time, including
without limitation the Global Positioning System owned by the U.S.
and operated by the U.S. Air Force. As used herein "GPS" also
broadly refers to other international tracking satellite systems
such as the Russian GLONASS system and the European Galileo system
and also includes assisted GPS, often referred to as a-GPS, which
also utilizes, among other things, mobile phone cell tower signals.
Additionally, tracking insert 10 must be able to communicate the
location of the tracking insert to a user's device, such as a smart
phone (not illustrated), through known protocols such as Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, or mobile communication protocols, including without
limitation both United States based, and international cellular
communication systems, in a manner readily understood and
implementable by those skilled in the art.
[0018] Tracking insert 10 further comprises, in an exemplary
embodiment, a selectively releasable collar connector 20 having, in
an exemplary embodiment, a female portion 25 and a cooperating
interlocking male portion 30. The female portion 25 and the male
portion 30 are, in an exemplary embodiment, adapted, or configured,
to be readily received by a similarly configured male and female
portions of a compatible collar connector, such as the illustrated
side release buckle commonly found on state-of-the-art pet collars,
such as pet collar 15. In this regard, in an exemplary embodiment,
pet collar 15 includes a selectively releasable side release buckle
120 having a female portion 125 and a cooperating interlocking male
portion 130. The female portion 25 of tracking insert 10 releasably
receives and the male portion 130 of pet collar 15, while the
female portion 125 of pet collar 15 releasably receives male
portion 30 of tracking insert 10 such that tracking insert 10 is
received by, and is inserted into, pet collar 15 as best
illustrated in FIG. 4A.
[0019] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
certain traditional pet collars have a collar connector defined by
a frame and prong configuration in which the prong is passed
through a hole in the distal end, i.e. the flap, of the belt
portion of the collar. Accordingly, in a further exemplary
embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 6, the tracking insert 210'
of the present invention could be provided with a frame and prong
buckle 140 secured to one end of the tracking insert 210' while the
other end of the tracking insert 210' includes a flap member 145
having at least one hole member 150 adapted for receiving the prong
160 of the buckle 165 of the pet collar 15'.
[0020] In a further exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4B,
tracking insert 310 utilizes at least a pair of clip members 35 to
removably secure tracking insert 310 to any type of pet collar,
such as, for example, pet collar 15. In an exemplary embodiment,
illustrated in FIG. 4B, the clips 35 wrap around the top and bottom
edge of the collar 15 so as to prevent the tracking insert 310 from
inadvertently slipping off of the pet collar 15. It will be
appreciated that clip members 35 could be fabricated of a rigid
material such as plastic or metal or could be a fabric, such as a
Velcro loop. Similarly, as illustrated in 4C, loop members 135
could be disposed at respective ends of tracking insert 310' and
adapted to receive collar 15 so as to prevent the tracking insert
310' from inadvertently slipping off of the pet collar 15.
[0021] In a further exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5,
the pet collar 15' is provided with secondary side release buckles
130'. Buckles 25 of tracking insert 210'' are connected to the
secondary side release buckles 130' in a manner that does not
affect the length of the pet collar and without serving as an
extension of the pet collar. In this manner, the tracking insert
210'' can be attached to and removed from the pet collar 15'
without the necessity of removing the pet collar 15' from the
animal and without the need to readjust the length of the pet
collar 15'. For instance, a sport dog wearing the collar described
herein could be taken into the field, the tracking insert 210''
secured to the secondary side release buckles 130', and the sport
dog then released into the field. At the end of the activity, the
tracking insert 210'' would be removed from the pet collar 15'
without the need for removing the collar itself from the sport
dog.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the tracking insert could
utilize GPS signals for tracking. Disposed between the female
portion 25 and the male portion 30 of collar connector 20 is a
linear array of modules 40. Modules 40 house the various electronic
components making up the tracking insert 10. In this regard,
various modules 40 could house a charging port, a power source such
as a battery, a GPS receiver, a radio module for radio based
tracking devices, and a transceiver for communicating with a mobile
device, including without limitation a Wi-Fi radio, Bluetooth
radio, or a transceiver for various mobile communication protocols,
including without limitation, cell phone protocols. In an exemplary
embodiment of the tracking device 10, when intended for use with a
pet, a communication module, in conjunction with a transceiver,
could be included which includes a speaker and microphone
combination, preferably capable of full duplex communication, for
allowing the user to communicate with, and listen to the pet. For
instance, in an exemplary embodiment, the tracking device 10 could
include a charger module 45 having a charging port 48, a battery
module 50, a GPS receiving antenna module 55, a radio module 60,
and a transceiver module 65. It will be appreciated that use of
a-GPS, i.e. by correlating GPS satellite signals and the cellular
module to triangulate off of cell towers, more accurate position
determinations are possible. Other modules can be provided,
including a light, a camera, and a command tone generator.
[0023] Additionally, in a further exemplary embodiment, electronic
circuitry could be provided to detect any loss of electrical
continuity, or loss of electrical power, resulting, for instance,
in the tracking insert being snagged on an obstacle or intentional
tampering. In the event such a loss in electrical continuity is
detected, the tracking insert would send a signal to the monitoring
device, so that the person monitoring the GPS signal and location
of the tracked animal would know that the device has lost power or
that the electrical continuity of the device has been severed or
compromised. In this manner, the user is notified if the device is
being, or has been, tampered with. Further, in an exemplary
embodiment, tampering could be detected by using the accelerometer
module to detect a pattern of use and by using a comparative
algorithm to detect any tampering-based disruption of this pattern
of use.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, these various modules 40 are in
electronic communication with one another via a plurality of
electrical leads 70. While three electrical leads 70 are
illustrated, it will be appreciated that a plurality of electrical
leads 70 would be utilized. The present invention is not intended
to be limited merely to the illustrated number of electrical leads
70. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the various modules 40 are
secured to one another in a linear array by means of reinforcing
support cables 80 in order to provide for strength to hold the
electrical leads 70 in place and assist in preventing tearing in
the event that an animal pulls at the tracking insert 10, or the
tracking insert 10 is snagged on an obstacle. Moreover, while two
support cables 80 are illustrated, it will be appreciated that more
or fewer support cables 80 could be provided. Moreover, a wire mesh
(not illustrated) could be provided, in an exemplary embodiment,
either to supplement support cables 80 or to replace support cables
80. To further protect the linear array of modules 40 and the
electrical leads 70 from wear and, in an exemplary embodiment, to
provide weather and moisture resistance, an over-molding 90 is
provided. Over-molding 90 could be any number of rubber or
polymeric materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the linear array
of modules 40 of tracking insert 10 is covered in rubber to make it
water resistant and to resist abrasion from use.
[0025] It will be recognized and understood by those skilled in the
art that pet owners often view a pet's collar as not merely a
purely utilitarian device, but also a fashion accessory for the
pet, with collars being provided in a wide range of sizes,
materials, colors, and patterns. Accordingly, tracking insert 10
could be provided with a decorative cover (not illustrated) that
could be secured to the tracking insert by any releasable means,
including cooperating strips of hook and loop closure material
commonly marketed under the trademark Velcro.RTM.. Additionally,
the tracking insert 10 could be sold together with a collar 15 in
coordinating colors.
[0026] The battery module 50 could be defined by a permanently
mounted rechargeable battery or could be defined by interchangeable
and removable battery modules adapted for external charging such
that a user could exchange the battery and continue to use the
device with a spare battery while the removed battery module is
being charged externally. Further, in an exemplary embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A, charging could be accomplished by
utilizing a charging port 48 into which a charging cable is
plugged. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that charging
port 48 could be any of numerous formats, including without
limitation, USB, mini-USB, micro-USB, USB-C, or any format that may
be introduced at a later time. In a further exemplary embodiment,
illustrated in FIG. 2B, electrical charging could be accomplished
by providing a plurality of electrical contacts 95 on one or both
of the prongs of male portion 30' of collar connector 20. In this
exemplary embodiment, a charging block (not illustrated) having a
port adapted to receive male portion 30' such that during charging,
male portion 30' of the collar connector 20 would be plugged into
the charger (not illustrated). It will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that while the illustrated embodiment shows
various connectors for recharging an internal battery, in a further
exemplary embodiment,
[0027] Further, while an exemplary embodiment has been described
and illustrated as being used in conjunction with a pet collar, it
is envisioned that the tracking insert could be readily adapted for
use to track other pets, livestock, birds, children, adults.
Additionally, the tracking insert of the present invention could
also be used to track other types of assets. For instance, the
tracking insert 10 could be adapted to be received on or within a
beer keg for purposes of inventory tracking.
[0028] While the present invention has been illustrated by
description of several embodiments and while the illustrative
embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention
of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional modifications will
readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its
broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details,
representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples
shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such
details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's
general inventive concept.
* * * * *